Whether you’re headed to Friendsgiving, your annual family gathering, or playing host yourself, we hear you: You need Thanksgiving recipe inspiration, and we have you covered. We tapped integrative chef Blaine Arin Tacker to share a handful of holiday inspired recipes that are as nutritious as they are tasty—and while they’re all vegan-friendly, they’re bound to please everyone at the table.
Keep scrolling to take your pick of Thanksgiving recipes.
This Mashed Cauliflower Recipe Might Replace Your Thanksgiving Potatoes
The only Thanksgiving food more quintessential than mashed potatoes might be the turkey itself. But for those of us looking to make some nutritious swaps this holiday, cauliflower might just be worthy of some prime real estate—and with this deadringer recipe, you might just fool some of the traditionalists at the table. (Bonus: It contains dietary fiber, too.)
An Elevated Vegan Stuffing Recipe That Tastes Like Home? We Got You
Traditional stuffing is an iconic holiday dish beloved for its nostalgic, comforting taste. The catch? It’s not exactly vegan-friendly. (Not to mention the egg binders, which can make the dish feel heavier, too.) We bring you a gloriously elevated, nutrient-packed vegan version that features a lighter finish—plus sweetness from dates and a hint of chili heat.
Cinnamon-Spiced Squash: Your New Favorite Thanksgiving Side
What has cinnamon, lots of nutrients, and that crowd-pleasing je ne sais quoi? That would be this squash recipe, which (calling it) is about to be the next mainstay of your Thanksgiving table. Thanks to a heady blend of the aforementioned cinnamon, fresh sage, and hazelnuts, it’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma before you’ve even had the chance to take a bite.
A Vegan Creamed Greens Recipe You’ll Honestly Love
In the realm of dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes, we’d hazard a guess that creamed greens are hardly top-of-mind. But by simply swapping the cream in this traditional side dish with coconut milk, integrative chef Blaine Arin Tacker makes this recipe a win for vegans and non-vegans alike.
The Pumpkin Pie Smoothie of Your Fall Dreams
The temps may be dropping, but trust us when we say: You might just want to keep that blender out. Made with frozen pumpkin puree and Essential Protein Daily Shake, this smoothie recipe is as nutritious as it is tasty. "Prep it ahead of time and have it as a pre-meal snack to help with satiety, as a quick breakfast when you need to run, or as a festive, fiber-filled dessert,” suggests Blaine.
Bonus: Start with a healthy breakfast
Before you even get to feasting, gear up for a long day of cooking with a nutritious breakfast. Trust us: This B12-enriched oatmeal recipe is just the ticket.
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